Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking for a stress-free slow cooker pasta recipe that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian restaurant, this Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is about to become a weeknight favorite. With just 4 simple ingredients and almost no prep, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Instead of making a sauce from scratch, bottled creamy Italian dressing does all the hard work for you. As it cooks low and slow, it tenderizes the chicken, infuses the pasta with tangy Italian flavor, and transforms into a rich, velvety sauce no whisking, no babysitting the stove. It’s the perfect dump-and-go crockpot meal for busy families, meal prep days, or anytime you want comfort food without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Only 4 ingredients budget-friendly and pantry-ready
Hands-off slow cooker dinner perfect for busy weeknights
Creamy, comforting pasta without making sauce from scratch
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Family-friendly and easy to customize
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1½ cups creamy Italian dressing
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells), cooked al dente
Instructions:
Place the chicken in an even layer in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Pour the creamy Italian dressing over the chicken, turning slightly to coat.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed cream cheese. Cover and let it soften, then stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and mix it well into the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and gently stir until evenly coated.
Let the pasta sit on WARM for 5–10 minutes so the sauce thickens and clings perfectly. Serve hot.
Easy Variations & Tips:
Lighter option: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light creamy Italian dressing
Add veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or broccoli at the end
Extra flavor: Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning
Heartier meal: Swap chicken for browned Italian sausage
Perfect texture: Short, ridged pasta holds the creamy sauce best
What to Serve With It:
Pair this creamy crockpot pasta with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. It’s also fantastic for potlucks, family dinners, or cozy nights in.
